Another member of BTS has announced when he will begin his mandatory military service in South Korea. Suga will enlist later this week.
Confirming the news, BTS label Big Hit said in a statement: “Suga will be beginning his required service on 22 Sep. There will not be any official events taking place on the day he starts his service or on the day he enters the training camp. We kindly ask fans to refrain from visiting Suga at his workplace during the period of his service. Please convey your warm regards and encouragement in your hearts only".
After much debate over whether or not a change in the law could allow the members of BTS to avoid doing their two years of mandatory military service, in the end the group announced there would be a BTS hiatus, after which it was confirmed that each member would now complete a stint in the army.
Each member is undertaking their military service on a different schedule, allowing other members to release solo material while their bandmates are in the army, ensuring that the BTS fanbase still has a steady flow of new material to enjoy.
Technically South Korean men are meant to begin their military service at some point between the ages of eighteen and 28, although the law was amended to allow BTS members to put it off until their 30th birthdays. Oldest member Jin was the first to enlist, in November 2022, with J-Hope following in April this year.
Back to the announcement regarding Suga’s military service and - as well as conveying all those warm regards and encouragement in their hearts - fans were informed of another way they can support the BTS member while he is in the army: Not buying any knock-off Suga products that might be put on sale while he is out of the public eye.
“Please be mindful to avoid getting adversely affected by unauthorised tours or package products that illegally use the artist’s intellectual property", Big Hit's statement continued. "Our company will take appropriate measures against attempts at any commercial activity that make unauthorised use of artist IP".
Maybe they could call in the military.
